Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue

Our community mourns the loss of Lincoln County Deputy Ryan Terpsma, killed in the line of duty October 30, 2026. Our heart felt thoughts and prayers are with family, friends, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and responders.

Today is NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY! Here at Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue we take this opportunity to honor all responders who volunteer their time to make our community a better place! If you see a responder today please tell them thanks!

Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue would like to share this public safety announcement:
Fire officials and safety organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warn that heating is a leading cause of home fires. Because space heaters account for the vast majority of fatal heating fires, fire chiefs urge the public to follow strict protocols to stay safe.

⚡ Space Heater Rules

• The 3-Foot Rule: Keep anything that can burn—including curtains, bedding, blankets, clothing, rugs, and furniture—at least three feet away from all heating equipment. Establish a three-foot "kid and pet-free zone" around them.
• Plug Directly into the Wall: Always plug portable heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, as these are not designed to handle the high electrical load and can easily overheat and catch fire.
• Never Leave Unattended: Turn off and unplug space heaters every single time you leave a room or go to sleep.
• Placement and Features: Only use space heaters on a flat, level, and nonflammable hard surface (like tile), never on carpets or rugs. Ensure your device is safety-certified and features an automatic tip-over sensor that shuts the unit off if it falls.

🔥 Central Heat, Fireplaces, and Stoves

• Annual Professional Inspections: Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your central heating system, furnace, wood stoves, and chimneys every year before the first cold snap. Failing to clean chimneys is a leading cause of heating fires due to dangerous creosote buildup.
• Never Heat with Cooking Appliances: Never use an oven or kitchen range to heat your home. This is highly inefficient and creates an extreme fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.
• Fireplace Safety: Always use a sturdy metal or glass screen to stop flying sparks. Allow fireplace ashes to cool completely before placing them into a metal container, and store that container a safe distance away from your home.

🚨 Alarms and Detectors

• Test Monthly: Fire officials stress that working alarms double your chances of surviving a home fire. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly.
• Placement: Ensure you have at least one combination alarm on every level of your home, with a smoke alarm located inside or directly outside every bedroom.

If anyone has any questions about fire safety please call Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue 406-293-3907.

Paul, Sean and Nikki received their 5 year service award at our Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue appreciation dinner. Barb received an exceptional service award for her outstanding commitment. Thank you all for making our community a safer place!

Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue firefighters train Electric Vehicle emergency response including electric vehicle fires and propane fires. Responders also attended EV and Lithium battery class in Kalispell sponsored by Kalispell FD.

Fisher River Valley Fire Station 2 has new energy efficient bay doors installed replacing the old, broken 40 year old doors. Replacement was much needed to keep apparatus secure and reduce heat loss. Thank you Fairchild Doors for getting the project finished before winter!

It's always a good time to Firewise your property around your home and out buildings. While you are cleaning up this fall here are some Firewise tips that go a long ways to make your home FireSafe!

National Fire Prevention Week comes to an end. This years awareness focused on the special handling of Lithium batteries. One final suggestion, charge larger lithium batteries for e-bikes, motorcycles, go carts, campers and other rides outside in an area away from your home in case of fire. Lithium batteries pose their own risk different than other batteries.